Yankees insider drops bummer prediction for Dodgers fans about NYY series in LA

The Dodgers' early June weekend series with the New York Yankees seemed a little peachier a month ago, huh?

At that time, the Yanks were reeling and missing half their productive lineup, lining up instead to be fresh meat in their first visit to Chavez Ravine since Players Weekend 2019 (let us never speak of those black and white jerseys again).

All of a sudden, though, New York has one of the game's best records in May (?), powered by a superhuman stretch from Aaron Judge, as well as names like Jake Bauers (?) and Ben Rortvedt (??).

And now, according to Yankees insider Bryan Hoch, it's possible that one more star returns just in time to put on a show in front of the Dodgers.

Last week, word got out that recovering Yankees Josh Donaldson and Giancarlo Stanton were on "the same rehab timeline." Donaldson's rehab assignment begins Wednesday. In Hoch's estimation, Stanton's won't be far behind (and could also begin this weekend), especially with some California love on the schedule.

Dodgers will probably face Giancarlo Stanton in Yankees series

Stanton's most recent trip to Southern California was a memorable one; in 2022, he took home MVP hardware at the All-Star Game, thanks in large part to a rocket home run. He may or may not have also been nursing an injury during his appearance in the Midsummer Classic, and hit the IL shortly after his return.

The Yankees' gargantuan slugger being laid up has been a common theme of his past few seasons, making the Dodgers a particularly unfortunate recipient of his wrath if he does get off the mat and comes back in time for the weekend showdown.

The Bombers and Dodgers have both rejuvenated themselves in different ways this season. LA turned the keys over to several top prospects, while the Yankees relied on rookie Anthony Volpe and a lifetime commitment from Aaron Judge to enter an era marked by more stability.

Count Stanton in, and you might see more fireworks in Hollywood than when the Mets came to town, against all preseason odds.